Visitation & Parental Rights

Parental Rights & Visitation Lawyers Lakeland, Sebring

We know the territory

Sessums Law Group, P.A. provides quality legal representation to protect parents’ rights. Visitation rights are also known by the legal term “time-sharing” rights. When it comes to your children, you need an expert on your side. Mark A. Sessums is double board certified in Civil Trial Law and Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Our team of professionals understands what you are going through and works to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your children.

What are my rights as a parent?

If parents are divorced, the extent of each parent’s rights may be limited by the divorce decree or child custody order. Unless a parent’s rights have been limited,they have the right to enjoy a meaningful relationship with their children. In addition to regular time-sharing rights, parents in divorce situations are entitled to rights such as:

The right to timely information regarding the health, education and welfare of the child

The right to have input in decisions concerning the health, education and welfare of the child

The right to consult with a physician, dentist or other health professional about the child

The right to interact with school officials concerning the child’s welfare and educational status

The right to attend the child’s activities

The right to be designated as an emergency contact on the child’s records

The right to consent to medical, dental and surgical procedures to promote the health and safety of the child

The right to manage the estate of the child

In a divorce or custody proceeding, a court can further expand or restrict a parent’s rights depending on the circumstances of the case.

Why would a parent’s rights be terminated?

In some situations, a court may find it is in a child’s best interests for their parent to have only supervised visitation or no contact with the child at all. In very serious cases of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, a judge may decide to terminate a parent’s rights permanently.

In other situations, a parent who has not been involved in their child’s life for various reasons may agree to a voluntary termination of rights in favor of adoptive parents. Depending on the circumstances, a court may allow a parent to sign over or relinquish their rights if a suitable person is waiting to take permanent responsibility for the child.

Are unwed fathers considered parents in Florida?

Florida recognizes birth mothers automatically, but does not give parental status to an unwed father unless the father properly executed a paternity affidavit or if paternity has been adjudicated by a court. An unwed father in Florida must take steps to protect his parental rights. Our experienced family law attorneys guide fathers through the steps needed to establish paternity and protect their parental rights.

Does Florida have child visitation guidelines?

Florida does not have strict guidelines for time-share schedules. Families come in all shapes and sizes, so parents are encouraged to arrange a time-share schedule that fits their family’s needs. Absent special circumstances, courts suggest the following schedule when one parent has primary physical custody:

Every other weekend from Friday after school until 6 p.m. Sunday

One week night per week from after school until 8:30 p.m.

Extended weekend visitation until Monday at 6 p.m. if visitation falls on a three-day weekend not otherwise dictated a holiday visitation schedule

Children’s needs change over time and you may find yourself needing to modify your custody order. Or, you may be in a situation where your ex-spouse is interfering with or withholding visitation, or alienating you from your children. Contact us to discuss the facts of your case and develop a plan to protect your rights while meeting your children’s needs.

What rights do grandparents have?

Despite many attempts by lawmakers over the years to grant time-sharing rights to grandparents, grandparents do not currently have rights to visit their grandchildren over the objection of fit parents. There is one exception: Floridians who are activated, deployed, or temporarily assigned to military service can designate grandparents to exercise their timesharing rights, despite the other parent’s objections.

In addition, grandparents can and do seek custody or guardianship of grandchildren in cases where one or both parents is unable or unwilling to properly care for the children. Sessums Law Group, P.A. helps grandparents seek custody of grandchildren to protect the children’s best interests.

Call Lakeland and Sebring divorce & family law lawyers to discuss your case

Sessums Law Group, P.A. protects clients’ visitation and parental rights in and around Polk, Highlands and Hillsborough counties. We listen carefully to your case and explain how the law applies to your circumstances. Call our Lakeland office at 877-826-5630, our Sebring office at 863-658-4796 or contact us online to arrange an appointment. At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we stand for you!

Lakeland Office

2212 S. Florida Avenue

Lakeland, Florida33803Phone: 863-226-0095Fax: 863-646-2216

Sebring Office

559 South Commerce Avenue

Sebring, Florida33870Phone: 863-658-4796Fax: 863-385-5377

Reviews & Ratings

5.0/5.0

Mark provided my legal services during a child support case. Mark and his staff answered all of my questions, alleviated my concerns and provided excellent service overall. I was greatly impressed by Mark’s level of professionalism and personal at...

Mark listened completely, analyzed throughly and counseled decisively. He gave me confidence, put my mind at ease and had the right answers. Flexible, intelligent, dependable – I could not ask for anything else. He gets perfect scores.

Sessums Law is an excellent firm for complex cases. Highly recommended for strong written and oral communication, in-depth knowledge of the law, and a practical, no-nonsense approach. If divorce is pending, this is the team you want.

Sessum Law is an excellent firm for litigating complex, mid to high net-worth cases. Highly recommended for strong written and oral communication, in-depth knowledge of the law, and a practical, no-nonsense approach. If divorce is pending, this is th...

Mark is a fabulous, caring attorney with a wonderful staff. They care deeply about making sure that they understand the needs of their clients and then do everything they can to achieve those goals. I can't recommend Mark and his team highly enoug...

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Testimonials

A lawyer you can trust!
Mark A. Sessums is a wonderful lawyer who listened to my situation and helped me get closure after a terrible experience. His staff is organized and pleasant to work with. I was well informed every step of the way.....
--N., a Medical Malpractice client

Mark A. Sessums and his staff are incredible. They have your best interest at heart. Always there to answer your questions and make you feel at ease.Professional, very knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile.Mark is an outstanding attorney who has represented me in both Family Law and Personal Injury cases and he is truly the best in his field.
- Terry

Knows his business
Mark has done an excellent job keeping up with a complex and seemingly never-ending business dispute. His planning and ability in front of opposing counsel has won us multiple settlements without getting to court, but I suspect his skills show even stronger there, thus our winning in advance by capitulation......
--John, a business client.

Mark A. Sessums is the attorney that will work hard for you!
Mark A. Sessums and his staff are incredible. They have your best interest at heart. Always there to answer your questions and make you feel at ease. Professional, very knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile.......
--Terry, a Personal Injury client

My accident was complicated, it dealt with a person whom was on vacation in Florida for 7 days from another country. I was hurt beyond one can explain in a review. I was out of work for a year, with recovery past that. With Mark and his staff at my side this is why I can say he is the best of what Florida can offer for an Attorney.....
--Charlie, a Car Accident client

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Sessums Law Group, P.A. has offices in Lakeland and Sebring, FL and practices in the following areas in and around Mulberry, Bartow, Highland City, Winter Haven, Homeland, Polk City, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Lakeland, Dundee, Bradley, Auburndale, Waverly, Lake Alfred, Nichols, Lake Hamilton, De Soto County, Manatee County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County, Lake County, Osceola County, Pasco County, Pinellas County and Polk County.

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